On today’s version of Husky Tech Talk, we will again broach everyone’s favorite subject when dealing with pets:  Fleas

These resilient little creatures are among the most hated insects on earth, and when an infestation occurs, steps need to be taken or they spread very quickly. 

I wrote here about them last year because they came around with a vengeance after no signs of them for several years.  This year, we are feeling some of the residual effects from them.  They are much lower in number, but are still present and need to be exterminated.  This is typical.  Whenever there is an outbreak, it is virtually impossible to kill all of the eggs, and invariably some will make it through to the next season.  Therefore, continued treatment is necessary. 

Let me be very clear…The animals should be and are protected by medication all year round.  It is still important to rid the premisis.

Here at Frosty Meadow Husky Farm, we keep our Huskies protected by using “Frontline” or “Pet Armour”.  Pet Armour is the first “store brand” that compares to Frontline.  While veterinarians will tell you that Frontline is the only way to go, our experience has been different.  When comparing boxes, the two have the same medication, in the same percentages. 

We also use an insecticide called “Permethrin”.  While Pet Armour/Frontline is great to put on the dogs, often times fleas will find an alternate food source.  Namely, other pets and, yes, humans.  The good news is they don’t like the taste of human blood.  The bad news is they can survive on it.  Mostly, they find their way to other animals such as cats and others that may be in the area.  If there are other animals around, they will survive and reproduce.  They reproduce very quickly.  We of course, have barn cats, horses, chickens, and other possible suitors for the fleas, and there are other stray animals that invariably come around as possible suitors.

This is where Permethrin comes in.  This is a powerful insecticide that we buy in concentrate form from Tractor Supply, and mix with water and spray all over the premises.  We will spray the lawn, the dog kennels, and anywhere else deemed necessary.  We even bathe the dogs in the mix.  This does not hurt the dogs, but one word of caution, it may be harmful or even lethal to cats. 

Another battle we fight is with the puppies.  All of the above treatments work well for the adults, but the puppies are too small and fragile to use these items.  Until they are about 5 lbs, (around 4-5 weeks), we had only one option.  Giving them regular baths in Dawn dish soap.  This is not a long term solution, but effectively rids them at least for a couple days.  If left un-treated, fleas can multiply on a puppy enough to cause anemia.

For the average home with 1-3 pets, Frontline/Pet Armour/Advantix etc. should be enough when used regularly. 

Click HERE to contact us via email for a quick money saving tip!